Eastern Kentucky Falls at Western Carolina in 2026 Season Opener

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Eastern Kentucky University football held a halftime lead before Western Carolina scored three touchdowns in the third quarter to pull away for a 45-21 victory Saturday night at E.J. Whitmire Stadium in the 2026 season opener. The Colonels led 14-10 at the break after sophomore quarterback Tyler Travers found Elijah Caldwell and Brayden Latham in the end zone. Western Carolina (1-0) responded with three unanswered touchdowns to begin the second half, taking a 31-14 advantage before EKU answered late in the third quarter. Travers finished his first collegiate start completing 22-of-34 passes for 305 yards and three…